Best Coolers in Canada

We’ve followed the most popular household trends and lifestyle products in Canada for years. Our mission is to help Canadians find the very best that’s out there – for their lives, their homes, and their families. We want to help you make the best choices according to the features that Canadians care about most, so you can get the best value for your money.

Our experts evaluate each of the products on our lists. Each product is thoroughly analyzed and researched. Based on the results of our evaluations, we composed a list of the best of the best in each category. Our list of the best coolers in Canada considers the most desired features, including:

• Size and Capacity. Every situation is different, and that’s why the size and capacity of each cooler are so important. Some Canadians might need a lightweight, super-portable cooler that can go with them anywhere. Others might be looking for an extra-large capacity cooler that they can take with them on extended trips. We considered the size and shape of each cooler on our list to accommodate each of these needs.
• Portability. All of the coolers on our list are portable in some way. There are lightweight options that include shoulder straps for easy portability. There are large-capacity coolers that feature heavy-duty carry handles designed for strength and support. And then there’s the wheeled option that allows you to pull the cooler behind you, making even the heaviest loads easy to transport.
• Cooling Ability. The whole point of a cooler is to keep things cold, right? So, we looked for coolers that were manufactured with the best processes and included design features that do exactly that. The coolers on our list are well-built and super-insulated so they can maintain cold temperatures inside for lengthy periods, some as long as 4-5 days.
• Additional Features. What would any good purchase be without some special features? We looked for coolers that were designed with Canadians in mind and included features that we felt Canadians would appreciate. From a work cooler that doubles as a table, to no-tilt draining, and extra pockets galore, these coolers are brimming with special design features.

Why Use a Cooler in Canada?

Coolers are used to keep food and drink items cold without the use of refrigeration or electricity. Canadians have great use for coolers because of their great ability to provide easy cold storage. Coolers can serve many purposes, such as keeping lunches cold during daily outings of a long workday. They can travel with you to the beach, for a day at the lake, during a hike in the Canadian wilderness, or for a trip to the golf course. And of course, outdoorsmen always need a way to tote food and drink. Hunters and campers usually purchase coolers more than other consumers.

Even if you are just going to the park for a cookout, a cooler can help keep your drinks fresh and cold. They aren’t expensive, and they can improve your outdoor life in every way. 

How to Choose the Right Cooler in Canada

Coolers are not one-size-fits-all. Each Canadian might need one for a different purpose. There are a host of different sizes and applications, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The coolers on our list are equipped with a variety of design features, shapes, and sizes. Keep the following features and factors in mind when choosing a cooler in Canada. 

Cooler Types and Materials

There are a few different types of coolers, which can come down to the materials used on the exterior of the cooler.

Hard coolers include some type of hard plastic on the outside. This is insulated with foam or other materials. A hard-sided cooler is better for resisting high temperatures and can keep your food or drinks cooler for longer periods. These coolers are more durable, but they are also heavier. You could take a hard-sided cooler with you to the campground or a tailgating party, but you shouldn’t take it on a long hike.

Soft-sided coolers, on the other hand, use softer materials for a lightweight experience. These coolers are more portable, but they usually have a lower capacity. While they also use plenty of insulation, they may be more susceptible to higher temperatures. Soft-sided coolers are great for day hikes, picnics, and lunches at your work site. However, they won’t keep your food or drink cold for days at a time.

You should choose the type of cooler that best fits your uses. If you are planning a multi-day trip, a hard-sideded cooler is the best option for you. If you want to keep food cool for a road trip, beach party, or picnic, a soft-sided cooler can be a great choice. 

Capacity and Dimensions

How much food or drinks do you need to keep cool? If you’re planning to carry a few beers to the golf course for eighteen holes, then you probably only need a small, portable cooler. However, if you’re stocking up for a neighbourhood block party or are planning an extended camping trip in the wilderness, then you’re going to need a much larger cooler with more storage capacity.

Sometimes, the listing for your cooler will tell you how many cans it can hold. While this information doesn’t help if you plan to use the cooler for other activities, it can give you an idea of how large the interior of the cooler really is.

Keep in mind that the exterior dimensions of the cooler aren’t a good measure of capacity. Coolers use layers of thick lining and insulation to keep your food and drink cold. The interior dimensions are a much better indicator of how much your cooler can handle.

Portability

How far will you need to carry the cooler? If you’re parking your vehicle three miles from your campsite and then hiking the rest of the way, then a heavy, bulky cooler probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, you can opt for a portable cooler with a shoulder strap that you can easily carry down the trail. You could even choose a wheeled cooler if you need more storage capacity but don’t want to lug the cooler around by hand. Just be aware of what type of terrain you plan to traverse along the way.

Consider how far you need to take the cooler once you arrive to your destination. Camping and hiking coolers should be smaller to accommodate a greater travel distance, while tailgating and other outdoor parties can make use of larger coolers.

Cooling Capacity

How long does the cooler need to stay cold? If you’re expecting to be far from civilization for a few days or longer, then you will need a cooler that is well-insulated and able to keep items cold for an extended period. However, if you are camping at a local campground with easy access to a general store and an ample supply of ice, then cooling ability might not be as important.

Still, you should consider your needs while you use the cooler. An option that warms up after a few hours is great for a tailgate party but won’t work when you need to keep food cool on a camping trip. Make sure to keep those options and the features you need for each situation in mind as you shop for a cooler.

Additional Features

What kind of features do you need? Are you looking for a cooler that can serve as a table or seat during your lunch break at work? Or maybe one that is bear-resistant so you’re not tempting the local wildlife with your trail snacks? Or perhaps you need a cooler that is customizable to fit your changing needs? Do you need it to have a locking lid? Are you planning on using the cooler to just keep your beverages cold? Or are you packing a picnic lunch as well, and maybe need a separate tray for hard and soft items? Consider how you will use the cooler and what features will help you get the most out of your purchase.